noun
minstrel
A performer in racist entertainment involving blackface caricatures of Black people.
The exhibit explains how a minstrel uses blackface to caricature Black people.
Etymology
Minstrel earlier named a musical entertainer. American blackface performers adopted the title for shows built on racist impersonations and caricatures, creating this later specialized sense.
More examples
- The troupe's minstrels performed songs and skits built on racist stereotypes.
- The historian studies newspaper advertisements for nineteenth-century minstrel shows.
- He refused to appear as a minstrel in blackface.
Forms
minstrel · minstrels
minstrelsy noun — Racist entertainment featuring performers in blackface.
Similar words
- blackface performer
- Specifically names blackface use, not necessarily participation in a minstrel show.